From his Facebook post:
Beloved friends, with a heavy heart I want to tell you all that this morning at Chicago Ohara airport, while I was on my way to retrieving my luggage, someone stole my beloved Mohan Veena (pictured to the left of me). Security cameras showed a man pick it up and walk out.
I've had that Veena more than 20years. There's hardly been a day that I haven't played it. I feel as though I've lost a good friend. I need everyone's help to find it. If you know someone in Chicago, tell them about it. Maybe it will surface on Craigs list or E-bay. Maybe in a music store or Pawn shop. There's no missing it. The Veena is in a Black Fibreglass Case with lots of stickers. And the Veena has 20 Strings, 2 layers of strings running parallel. It has tuning heads right down the neck. No other instrument looks like this. I'm grateful for any help. thanks Harry.
I don't spend a lot of time praying for thieves, but you could at least HOPE that when he opens up the case, he'll realize he hasn't got a chance of selling or pawning the thing without getting busted - and he attempts to avoid further ruining his karma by just giving it up. Like, John McLaughlin's original Rex Bogue "Double Rainbow" guitar cracked apart, but a European collector had an exact duplicate made, which was immediately stolen. And it's almost surely at the bottom of a lake or landfill by now, because you just couldn't sell it. But I'm not sure felons are too concerned about karma.
That sucks. Kind of you to post here; perhaps it will show up on CraigsList or somewhere and all these extra set of eyes will catch the fool. Where is he gonna sell it eh? What a beautiful instrument for an amazing player of western and eastern hybrid slide guitar. I've yet to see him in concert even though I live less than 60 miles from the man, but I will soon I hope. Let's force the thief to realize the troubles he has caused and give him a chance to turn it in, no questions asked. It would be easier for him that way then getting busted.
I've copied this to another musicians forum which I know includes members in the Chicago area. Perhaps there are other likely places to spread the word...
Hopefully someone spots it and it is soon returned to Mr. Manx.
What a bummer. I had the pleasure of hearing him play this instrument in concert, and it was truly mesmerizing. I have hopes of Harry getting this returned since it is so unusual.
Breaking News : Commander Thomas Argenbright of the Ohara Airport Police called Harry Manx at 5pm Monday in Montreal to let him know they have apprehended the suspect of the theft of Harrys' Mohan Veena in Chicago. As of that time the whereabouts of the instrument were still unknown. Commander Argenbright commented that catching the suspect was a priority for them as the story had gained so much attention in Chicago. We will keep you posted of further developments.
Rani Souza
Brad’s Page of Steel
A web site devoted to acoustic & electric lap steel guitars
Harry is the guy that inspired me to put a guitar in my lap after seeing him live in some small clubs/coffeehouses here in southern Ontario. I hope he gets his guitar back, but even if he doesn't he is a great musician and an inspiring artist. He said in an interview in the Chicago Tribune on Sunday, on coping with his loss while enjoying the outpouring of concerns and support: "at the end of the day, it (the guitar) is only wood." Of course, anyone who has lost a beloved instrument can attest that it's a lot more than wood. Guitars can be replaced, but we never forget the good ones.
My Veena Has Been Found! On Monday the 24th, the man who stole my Mohan Veena at Chicago O’Hara Airport was caught while trying to steal more luggage. He eventually gave up the location of the instrument and it was recovered.
The police now have it in their possession. I plan to return to Chicago next Tuesday to pick it up. There’s no way for me to express the gratitude I have to everyone for helping out, but I would like to say that the generous outpouring of support has uplifted my spirits and renewed my faith in the kindness of strangers. love to all, in gratitude.
Harry Manx
Brad’s Page of Steel
A web site devoted to acoustic & electric lap steel guitars
